Founded by the Government of India in 1985, the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) preserves and promotes India's cultural heritage across nine states and union territories. Through programs in folk, tribal, and classical music and dance, EZCC fosters cultural understanding and national unity. Chaired by the Governor of West Bengal and overseen by the Ministry of Culture.
Established in 1986, the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) is one of India’s seven Zonal Cultural Centres, aimed at fostering cultural unity across regions. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, it focuses on promoting folk and tribal arts across seven states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), established in June 1986 with its headquarters in Dimapur, Nagaland, promotes the cultural heritage of the eight Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on October 6, 1987, the Centre also established a Shilpgram (Crafts Village) in Panjabari, Guwahati, inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh on January 17, 2006.
The North Zone Cultural Centre, inaugurated by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on November 6, 1985, is located at Virsa Vihar Kendra in Patiala. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it is one of seven cultural centres established across India to preserve and promote India’s ancient cultural heritage and enhance its national culture. The Centre serves regions including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh (U.T.).
Established in 1986 with its headquarters in Nagpur, the South Central Zone Cultural Centre includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Centre focuses on preserving and promoting folk, tribal, and Lalit Kala traditions, while identifying and supporting emerging artists in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
The South Zone Cultural Centre was established to promote India’s indigenous cultures, especially to rural and underprivileged communities. It aims to integrate dance, drama, music, and art, ensuring cultural development reaches all sections of society and preserving traditions. Its programs play a vital role in spreading cultural awareness.
Established between 1985 and 1987, the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) created "Shilpgram A Craft Village" in Udaipur, highlighting the cultural diversity of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The annual "Shilpgram Utsav," held in December, attracts over half a million visitors and features 650+ artisans and performers from across India.
Established in 1979 under the guidance of Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Based in New Delhi with regional centres nationwide, CCRT offers training, workshops, and academic initiatives to promote cultural awareness and heritage preservation.
Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), established in 1984, preserves the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through two campuses Gandhi Smriti at Birla House, where he spent his last days, and Darshan Samiti at Rajghat, his cremation site. The Smriti houses one of the largest Gandhi museums with 60,000 books and 6,000 original photographs. Both sites promote his ideals through cultural and educational programs.
The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), established in 1977 and renamed in 1993, stands as a unique national institution dedicated to the cultural diversity of humanity. Unlike conventional museums, IGRMS began without a physical collection, focusing instead on fostering community engagement and inclusive cultural narratives.
